Extension pipe having a joint for vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

An extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, for providing a sealed channel between a cleaner body and a suction brush and having a joint that includes a bendable part in accordance with a user&#39;s desire, comprising a first extension pipe, a second extension pipe pivotably connected to the first extension pipe, and a resilient locking member disposed adjacent the first extension pipe to be resiliently deformed by sliding movement thereof and having a locking protrusion to selectively engage one of a plurality of locking recesses formed in the first extension pipe, thereby selectively restraining pivotal movement of the first and the second extension pipes relative to each other. A joint cover connected to one side of the second extension pipe may pivot together with the second extension pipe to seal the connection joint. In a second embodiment, a release handle is connected to a pair of locking members, each having a locking protrusion to selectively engage one of a plurality of locking recesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a vacuum cleaner, and moreparticularly, to an extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner that has abendable connection part to enable convenient cleaning of the spacesunder pieces of furniture, such as a bed or sofa.

2. Description of the Background Art

Generally, a vacuum cleaner draws in dirt and dust from a surface to becleaned together with ambient air using a vacuum suction force generatedby a vacuum suction motor provided in a cleaner body. The vacuum cleanerhas a channel connecting the cleaner body and a suction brush having anair in flow port sealed to the channel.

The channel may take various forms according to the kind of vacuumcleaner being operated, and in general, it may include a flexible hosefor connecting to the cleaner body, a handle and an extension pipe forconnecting from the handle to the suction brush. The extension pipe isexpandable and contractible, that is, it is adjustable in length, and ingeneral, a plurality of extension pipes may be provided for modularassembly and disassembly, depending on the length of the extension pipedesired.

However, a suction brush connected to a conventional extension pipe hasa disadvantage in that in order to clean spaces under a bed, sofa, orother furniture, a user has to bend over to reach a low posture toenable the suction brush to be brought into close contact with thesurface to be cleaned because the angle between the extension pipe andthe suction brush is usually not adjustable. Also, even in the cases inwhich the angle between the extension pipe and the suction brush isadjustable, the user still has to bend his/her back to push the suctionbrush into the spaces under the furniture. An improvement to overcomethese problems is thus demanded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to overcome theabove-described problems. An aspect of the present invention is toprovide an extension pipe providing a joint for a vacuum cleaner whichenables bending of the extension pipe by means of a simple buttonmanipulation and without requiring a user to bend his/her back, andprovides for a convenient cleaning operation.

The above aspect is achieved by providing an extension pipe arrangementhaving a connection joint for a vacuum cleaner comprising a firstextension pipe, a second extension pipe pivotably connected to the firstextension pipe, a resilient locking member to selectively restrainpivotal movement of the first and the second extension pipes relative toeach other, and a joint cover for sealing the connection joint of thefirst and the second extension pipes.

The first extension pipe may be connected to a cleaner body, and thesecond extension pipe may be connected to a suction brush for cleaning asurface.

The resilient locking member may be disposed in the first extension pipeto be resiliently and temporarily deformed by the sliding movement ofthe locking member and preferably has a locking protrusion selectivelyengaging a plurality of locking recesses formed in the second extensionpipe to restrain pivotal movement in relative positions between thefirst and the second extension pipes.

The joint cover is preferably connected to the second extension pipe toseal the connection portion between the first and the second extensionpipes, and may pivots with the movement of the second extension pipe.

The first extension pipe comprises a tubular body, a cylindrical jointformed at one end of the body for providing a connection to the secondextension pipe, a locking receiver formed within the cylindrical jointto receive the resilient locking member, and a locking recess formed onan outer circumference of the cylindrical joint for receiving a part ofthe resilient locking member when it is positioned for insertion intothe recess. In a preferred embodiment, the recess penetrates through thewall of the outer circumference of the cylindrical joint to permit thepart to be inserted into the penetrating recess and through the wall.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the resilientlocking member comprises a locking member body shaped to correspond inform with the locking receiver and the part of the resilient lockingmember further comprising a locking protrusion formed on an outercircumference of the resilient locking member to permit selectiveinsertion into and engagement with the plurality of locking recesses, asliding plate connected to the locking member body, and an operationhandle connected to the sliding plate.

The second extension pipe is connected to the joint cover to support anopposite side of the cylindrical joint, and the joint part of the secondextension pipe has at least one slot element allowing the operationhandle to be exposed to the outside through a wall of the joint housing,while permitting reciprocal movement of the operation handle along theslot element. The slot element preferably comprises a first slotextending along a line parallel with the first extension pipe when thefirst and the second extension pipes are connected to each other so asto extend in a straight line relative to each other, and a second slotelement preferably extending along a line parallel with the firstextension pipe when the first and the second extension pipes are in abent relationship relative to each other.

The locking recesses may comprise a first locking recess for securingthe first and the second extension pipes in a first position, in whichthe first and the second extension pipes may extend in a straight linerelative to each other, and a second locking recess for securing thefirst and the second extension pipes in a second position, in which thefirst and the second extension pipes may be bent with a predeterminedangle between each other. The first and the second locking recesses eachmay have a chamfered surface adjacent an inner surface of the lockingreceiver facing the locking protrusion.

An angle may be provided in which the orientation between the first andthe second extension pipes ranges essentially from 40° to 50°, and ispreferably about 45°. The angle of the bend is determined according tothe locations of the first and the second locking recesses.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the resilientlocking member may be temporarily resiliently deformed by the slidingmovement of the release handle, which covers a part of outercircumference of the first extension pipe. The locking member has alocking protrusion for selective engagement in one of the plurality oflocking recesses formed in the second extension pipe to restrict thepivotal movement of the first and the second extension pipes. Theresilient locking member may comprise a locking member body having ashape to correspond in form to the locking member receiver and thelocking protrusion protruding therefrom, and a sliding plate having oneend connected to the locking member body and the other end connected tothe release handle formed in the locking member body to provide forreciprocal movement depending on the position of the release handle. Apair of resilient locking members may be symmetrically disposed at oneeach of both sides of the cylindrical joint.

The release handle has a guide hole formed at a location correspondingto the guide protrusion, and reciprocates in a lengthwise direction ofthe first extension pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing in detail an extension pipe jointfor a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the extension pipe joint shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional side view showing the extension pipe jointof the first embodiment of the present invention when the extensionpipes extend in a straight line;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view showing the extension pipe jointof the first embodiment of the present invention when the extensionpipes are angled relative to each other;

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view showing an extension pipe joint fora vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the extension pipe joint shownin FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional side view showing the extension pipe jointof the second embodiment of the present invention when the extensionpipes extend in a straight line; and

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional side view showing the extension pipe jointof the second embodiment of the present invention when the extensionpipes are angled relative to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an extension pipe arrangement 100 for a vacuum cleaneraccording to a first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

An extension pipe arrangement 100 having a joint for a vacuum cleaneraccording to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises afirst extension pipe 110, a second extension pipe 120, a resilientlocking member 130 and a joint housing 140.

The first extension pipe 110 comprises a tubular body 111, a cylindricaljoint 112 being connected to one side of the body 111 and also beingconnected to the second extension pipe 120, a locking member receiver113 formed within the cylindrical joint 112 and configured and arrangedto receive the resilient locking member 130, and a recess 123 formed onan inner circumference of the locking member receiver 113 for engagementwith a locking protrusion 132, as will be explained below. In apreferred embodiment, the recess 123 is formed to extend from the innercircumference to the outer circumference of the locking member receiver113 so as to extend through and penetrate a wall of the cylindricaljoint 112, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The tubular body 111 is connected to a cleaner body (not shown), and isshaped in tubular form to allow air, in which dirt is entrained, toenter into the cleaner body therethrough.

The cylindrical joint 112 is pivotably connected to the second extensionpipe 120 and acts as a center portion about which the first and thesecond extension pipes 110 and 120 can be pivoted. The cylindrical joint112 is arranged with the locking member receiver 113, defined in aninner circumference thereof, which is configured to receive theresilient locking member 130. A guide recess 113 a extends across acentral portion of the locking member receiver 113 for guidingreciprocal movement of one or more sliding plates 133, which will bedescribed below.

The second extension pipe 120 comprises a preferably tubular secondextension pipe body 121 connected to a suction brush (not shown) throughwhich air, in which dirt is entrained, can be drawn in from a surface tobe cleaned, and a joint enclosure 122 for engaging connection with thejoint housing 140 around the joint 112. Preferably, the joint enclosure122 may be formed by a molding process to decrease costs of production,and may be, formed integrally with the second extension pipe 120. Thejoint enclosure 122 is provided with first and second locking recesses123, 124, respectively, to selectively engage and lock the resilientlocking member 130 at different positions and first and second slots 125and 126 penetrating through the wall of the joint enclosure 122 to allowan operation handle 134 to extend therethrough to the outside formanipulation by user, when desired. In a preferred embodiment, as shown,the recesses 123, 124 extend through the wall of the locking memberreceiver 113, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The resilient locking member 130 comprises a semicircular locking memberbody 131, a locking protrusion 132 protruding radially outwardly fromthe locking member body 131, the sliding plate 133 being connected toand extending radially inwardly from the locking member body 131, andthe operation handle 134 connected to the sliding plate 133.

The locking member body 131 may be a semi-circular plate spring having asuitable resilience, and the locking protrusion 132 may protrude from anouter circumference of the locking member body. In one example, thelocking member body 131 may be made of a metal material to preventdamage to the mechanism from repeated operation thereof.

The sliding plate 133 can be slid reciprocally along the guide recess113 a, thereby permitting the locking member 131 to move reciprocallywithin the locking member receiver 113. Accordingly, by moving thelocking member body 131 in relation to the reciprocal movement of theoperation handle 134 connected to the sliding plate 133, the lockingprotrusion 132 is selectively locked into the first or the secondlocking recesses 123, 124, respectively. An angle of bend orientsbetween the first and the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121, theposition of which depends on the locations of the first and the secondlocking recesses 123 and 124. The angle of the bend may rangesubstantially from 40° to 50°, and more preferably, is about 45°.

Hereinafter, the operation of the extension pipe for the vacuum cleaneraccording to the first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 shows a normally extended condition of the extension pipearrangement 100 according to the first embodiment, in which the firstand the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121 are maintained relativeto each other in a straight line. As shown in FIG. 3, the lockingprotrusion 132 is inserted into the first locking recess 123 so that thefirst and the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121 do not pivotabout the joint 112.

When a user transposes the operation handle 134 in the direction of thearrow, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is desirable to clean spaces under abed or other furniture, the locking protrusion 132 disengages from thefirst locking recess 123, so that the first and the second extensionpipe bodies 111 and 121 are released from the locked condition shown inFIG. 3. At this time, the pipe extensions 111, 121 can pivot about thejoint 112, and the user can bend the first extension pipe body 111 withrespect to the second extension pipe body 121.

The user transposes the operation handle 134 until the lockingprotrusion 132 disengages from the first locking recess 123. Oncedisengaged, the pivoting operation of the second extension pipe body 121does not require a user's further manipulation of the operation handle134. That is, the locking protrusion 132 slides in contact with theadjacent inner circumference of the joint part 122 due to the resilientrecovering force of the locking member body 131 as the joint part 122rotates. The pivoting is free to proceed until the locking protrusion132 reaches the second locking recess 124.

Since the locking protrusion 132 has a rounded end, as shown in FIG. 4,it is brought into a point contact with the inner circumference of thejoint part 122, and thus is enabled to slide without generating muchfriction. Also, the first and the second locking recesses 123, 124 havechamfered surfaces 128 formed on the inner surface portion facing thelocking protrusion 132 to thereby facilitate insertion of the lockingprotrusion 132 into the locking recesses 123, 124, as shown in FIGS. 3and 4.

Accordingly, when a user withdraws the operation handle 134 in thedirection of the arrow, as shown in FIG. 3, to disengage the lockingprotrusion 132 from the first locking recess 123, and pivots the secondextension pipe body 121, the locking protrusion 132 slidably moves alongthe inner circumference of the joint part 122 due to the resilientrecovering force of the locking member body 131. When the lockingprotrusion 132 reaches the second locking recess 124, the resilientrecovering force of the locking body 131 forces the locking protrusion132 into engagement with the second locking recess 124 so that the firstand the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121 are secured in aposition in which they are angled relative to each other, as shown inFIG. 4.

When the cleaning operation of the space under the bed or otherfurniture is completed, the first and the second extension pipe bodies111 and 121 can be reoriented in a straight direction relative to eachother by performing the above described procedure in a reverse order.That is, the user disengages the locking protrusion 132 from the secondlocking recess 124 by withdrawing the operation handle 134 and thenpivoting the second extension pipe body 121 until the locking protrusion132 reaches and engages the first locking recess 123. This can be doneas the user lifts the second extension pipe body 121, connected to thesuction brush (not shown) by gripping the first extension pipe body 111,so as to cause the second extension pipe body 121 to pivot due to itsown weight, and thereby the first and the second extension pipe bodies111 and 121 reach a desired straight configuration. The first slot 125of the joint part 122 guides the reciprocal movement of the operationhandle 134 when the first and the second extension pipe bodies 111 and121 are secured in a straight orientation, and the second slot 126guides the reciprocal movement of the operation handle 134 when thefirst and the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121 are at an anglerelative to each other. The angle between the first and the second slots125 and 126 corresponds to the angle of pivot desired between the firstand the second extension pipe bodies 111 and 121, so the user can usethe extension pipe more conveniently for cleaning spaces underfurniture.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8, an extension pipe having a jointconnection for a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, an extension pipe arrangement 200 having a jointconnection according to the second embodiment comprises a firstextension pipe 210, a second extension pipe 220, a resilient lockingmember 230 (FIG. 6), and a joint connection housing 240.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the extension pipearrangement 200 for the vacuum cleaner according to the secondembodiment of the present invention.

The first extension pipe 210 comprises a tubular body 211 having asliding protrusion 212 extending outwardly from the surface of tubularbody 211, a cylindrical joint 213 formed at one end of the body 211 andbeing connected to the second extension pipe 220, locking receivers 214symmetrically formed on opposite sides of the joint 213 configured toreceive the resilient locking members 230, and a locking recess 224formed in an inner circumference of each locking receiver 214 andextending through the wall of the cylindrical joint 213, into which thelocking protrusions 232 may penetrate and with which they engage.

The second extension pipe 220 comprises a second extension pipe body 221connected at one end to a suction brush (not shown), through which airand entrained dirt and dust are drawn in from a surface to be cleaned,and a joint part 222 for engaging with the joint housing 240. The jointpart 222 may be fabricated by molding to reduce expenses and may bepreferably integrally formed as a unitary member with the secondextension pipe 220, as shown. The joint part 222 is provided with afirst set of first and second locking recesses 223, 224, respectively,for selectively locking the locking protrusion 232 at different anglepositions. It should be noted that two pairs of locking recesses 223,224 are provided in the symmetrical locking receivers 214, toaccommodate the two separate locking protrusions 232, as will beexplained below.

The resilient locking member 230 comprises a locking body 231, alongitudinal sliding plate 233, and a release handle 234.

Each locking body 231 is shaped to correspond in shape to the lockingreceivers 214 and includes the locking protrusion 232 formed on andextending outwardly from an outer circumference of each locking body231.

The sliding plate 233 has one end connected to the locking body 231 andthe other end connected to the release handle 234. It is positioned andoriented to permit longitudinal reciprocal movement within the shortlength defined by a guide recess 213 b formed in a body of the slidingplate 233.

The release handle 234 is designed to cover an end part of the outercircumference of the first extension pipe 210, and reciprocal movementof the release handle 234 is restricted to longitudinal movement withinthe length defined by guide holes 235 formed in opposite sides of therelease handle 234 and remaining in engagement with the guide protrusion212.

The joint housing 240 is connected to the joint part 222 to seal theconnection between the first and the second extension pipes 210, 220,respectively, and is connected to pivot in relation to the movement ofthe second extension pipe 220. Although not shown, the joint cover 240may have locking holes formed at corresponding positions relative to thefirst and the second locking recesses 223 and 224 formed in the jointpart 222, so that the resilient locking member 230 can be used in tandemtherewith. In such a case, it is preferable that the locking recesses223, 224 extend through the wall of the cylindrical joint 213.

Hereinafter, the operation of the extension pipe arrangement for thevacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Since the locking and releasing operations are essentially similar to orthe same as those of the first embodiment, only the distinguishingelements will be described for brevity. The operation handle 134 of thefirst embodiment finds a corresponding element in the release handle 234of the second embodiment. Accordingly, when the release handle 234 ispulled out in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7, it functionsin the same manner as the operation handle 134 of the first embodiment,so that the locking protrusions 232 are withdrawn from the first lockingrecesses 223 and the first and the second extension pipe 210 and 220 arereleased from the locked condition. After the releasing operation, auser can freely bend the first and the second extension pipes 210 and220 relative to each other, and it does not require a user's furthermanipulation of the release handle 234. The first and the secondextension pipes 210 and 220 pivot and bend until the locking protrusions232 are seated in and engage the second locking recesses 224. As in thefirst embodiment, the positions of the first and the second lockingrecesses 224 may have a predetermined angle of bend between the firstand the second extension pipes 210 and 220 of approximately 45°,although a range of from about 40° to about 50° may be permitted. Also,according to the second embodiment, a pair of resilient locking members230 may be provided on the opposite sides of the cylindrical joint 213,as shown. Therefore, if any one of them is locked, the first and thesecond extension pipes 210 and 220 can be fixed in the bent position.Alternatively, only a single resilient locking member may be provided,as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 above. In a preferredembodiment, the recesses 223 are 224 are formed to extend from the innercircumference to the outer circumference of the cylindrical joint 213 soas to extend through and penetrate the wall of the cylindrical joint213, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As described above, since the extension pipe arrangements 100 and 200according to the present invention can be bent by simply withdrawing theoperation handle 134 or the release handle 234, the user is able toeasily clean the spaces under a bed or sofa without requiring a user tobend his/her back or adopt a low posture, thereby increasing convenienceto the user.

1. An extension pipe arrangement for a vacuum cleaner for providing asealed channel between a cleaner body and a suction brush, the extensionpipe arrangement having a joint which permits extension pipes to bendrelative to each other, the extension pipe arrangement comprising: afirst extension pipe; a second extension pipe pivotably connected to thefirst extension pipe; and a resilient locking member disposed adjacentthe first extension pipe to selectively restrain pivotal movement of thefirst and the second extension pipes relative to each other, whereinreciprocal movement of the resilient locking member permits release ofthe locking condition between the first and the second extension pipesso as to permit the extension pipes to pivot relative to each other. 2.The extension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstextension pipe further comprises: a tubular body; a cylindrical jointformed at one end of the body for providing a connection to the secondextension pipe; a locking receiver formed within the cylindrical jointto receive the resilient locking member; and a locking recess formed onan outer circumference of the cylindrical joint for receiving a part ofthe resilient locking member when it is positioned for insertion intothe locking recess.
 3. The extension pipe arrangement as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the second extension pipe comprises a joint part havinga plurality of locking recesses with which the part of the resilientlocking member may selectively engage, the joint part being connected tothe joint housing to provide support at opposite sides of thecylindrical joint.
 4. The extension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim3, wherein the resilient locking member further comprises: a lockingmember body shaped to correspond in form with the locking receiver andthe part of the resilient locking member further comprising a lockingprotrusion formed on an outer circumference of the resilient lockingmember to permit selective insertion into and engagement with theplurality of locking recesses; a sliding plate connected to the lockingmember body; and an operation handle connected to the sliding plate. 5.The extension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the jointpart of the second extension pipe has at least one slot element allowingthe operation handle to be exposed to the outside through a wall of thejoint housing, while permitting reciprocating movement of the operationhandle along the slot element.
 6. The extension pipe arrangement asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the slot element further comprises: a firstslot extending along a line parallel with the first extension pipe whenthe first and the second extension pipes are connected to each other ina straight line; and a second slot extending along a line parallel withthe first extension pipe when the first and the second extension pipesare in a bent relationship relative to each other.
 7. The extension pipearrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking recessescomprise: a first locking recess for securing the first and the secondextension pipes in a first position when the first and the secondextension pipes are in the first position being connected in a straightline; and a second locking recess for securing the first and the secondextension pipes in a second position when the first and the secondextension pipes in the second position are in a bent condition andhaving a predetermined angle therebetween.
 8. The extension pipearrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and the secondlocking recesses each has a chamfered surface adjacent an inner surfaceof the locking receiver facing the locking protrusion.
 9. The extensionpipe arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient lockingmember selectively restrains pivotal movement of the first and thesecond extension pipes relative to each other to a straight position anda bent angle position, the bent angle position producing an anglebetween the first and the second extension pipes that ranges essentiallyfrom 40° to 50°.
 10. The extension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim2, wherein the locking recess penetrates through a wall of the outercircumference of the cylindrical joint whereby extension of the lockingprotrusion into the locking recess causes the locking protrusion toextend through the wall.
 11. An extension pipe arrangement for a vacuumcleaner for providing a sealed channel between a cleaner body and asuction brush, the extension pipe arrangement having a joint whichpermits extension pipes to bend relative to each other, the extensionpipe arrangement comprising: a first extension pipe; a second extensionpipe pivotably connected to the first extension pipe and having aplurality of locking recesses; a release handle covering a portion ofthe outer circumference of the first extension pipe; at least oneresilient locking member having a locking protrusion extending therefromfor selectively engaging one of the plurality of locking recesses whenthe user effects a sliding movement of the release handle, the resilientlocking member restraining pivotal movement of the first and the secondextension pipes relative to each other when the locking protrusion isengaged within one of the locking recesses; and a joint cover connectedadjacent one side of the second extension pipe and pivoting togetherwith the second extension pipe to seal a connection portion of the firstand the second extension pipe, the joint cover having the plurality oflocking recesses for receiving the locking protrusion.
 12. The extensionpipe arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first extensionpipe comprises: a tubular body having a slide retention protrusion; acylindrical joint formed at one end of the tubular body providing forconnection to the second extension pipe, the cylindrical joint havingtwo laterally disposed sides; locking member receivers formed in bothlaterally disposed sides of the cylindrical joint, each being configuredto receive a resilient locking member; and a recess formed in an innercircumference of each of the locking member receivers, the lockingprotrusion being capable of being inserted into the recess when thefirst extension pipe is appropriately positioned relative to the secondextension pipe.
 13. The extension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim11, wherein each of the resilient locking members comprise: a lockingmember body disposed within the cylindrical joint, the lockingprotrusion protruding from an outer surface of the locking member body;and a sliding plate having one end connected to the locking member bodyand the other end connected to the release handle for reciprocalmovement depending on the position of the release handle.
 14. Theextension pipe arrangement as claimed in claim 12, wherein a pair ofresilient locking members are symmetrically disposed, one at each of thetwo sides of the cylindrical joint.
 15. The extension pipe arrangementas claimed in claim 11, wherein the release handle includes a guide holedisposed to correspond to the position of the guide protrusion, andrestraining the reciprocal movement of the release handle in alongitudinal direction along the first extension pipe.
 16. The extensionpipe arrangement as claimed in claim 12, wherein the locking recesspenetrates through a wall of the outer circumference of the cylindricaljoint whereby extension of the locking protrusion into the lockingrecess causes the locking protrusion to extend through the wall.